K'taka govt holding consultations on measures for responsible use of AI, social media: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT/BT Priyank Kharge on Friday told the Legislative Assembly that the state government is holding consultations regarding measures to be put in place for responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, especially among children.
The minister said this in response to senior BJP MLA and former Minister Suresh Kumar raising concerns over premature exposure of children to social media, including pornographic content, during the discussion on motion of thanks to Governor's address.
The MLA also cited Australia recently banning use of the social media platforms by those under 16 years of age, and the central government's Economic Survey too pitching for an age bar for social media access.
Taking cues for social media ban for children, the central government's Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Thursday said age-based access to online platforms should be considered while also cutting down online teaching to avoid digital addiction.
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Pointing to Kharge's presence in the House, Kumar said, "Australia has taken a very serious decision that children under the age of 16 should not be exposed to social media. The report (Economic Survey) submitted in the Lok Sabha yesterday has also expressed concerns over premature exposure of children to social media."
He also expressed concerns over children getting introduced to porn.
"This is a very serious matter, so our state should also take a decision regarding social media. Neighbouring Goa has taken a decision. There should be some kind of age limit. Control may not be completly possible, but we should take some measures. If not done, I don't know what will be the situation of our schools and families," he added.
Minister Kharge accepted the issue raised by the senior legislator as a "serious matter".
"Finland also has taken action, the UK is mulling it, it has been a couple of months since Australia imposed a ban. We too in the state are holding consultations regarding what has to be done for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and social media," he said.
Kharge further said his department along with social media major Meta is doing a digital detox programme for more than three lakh children and one lakh teachers.
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DSP’s red hair earns criticism, Odisha Police asks him to maintain decorum
Bhubaneswar (PTI): Odisha Police has found itself in a spot after some of its personnel, including senior officers, were criticised on social media for sporting coloured and unconventional hairstyles.
The latest incident was reported from Jagatsinghpur district, where a DSP-rank officer was trolled online for his red-coloured hair, putting the police administration in an awkward position, a senior officer said.
The officer, identified as Rashmi Ranjan Das, saw his hairstyle go viral on social media, drawing criticism from several quarters.
Some users termed the look "unprofessional", while others questioned whether such an appearance befitted a uniformed officer, alleging it undermined the authority and seriousness associated with the khaki.
"After finding the DSP being trolled on social media, I have instructed the Jagatsinghpur SP to tell the officer to maintain decorum and keep his hairstyle decent, befitting a man in uniform," Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Satyajit Naik told PTI.
Naik, however, said the police department has not yet issued any circular or order in this regard.
"We have told the officer to maintain decency. Everything cannot go by written orders. From constables to senior officers, everyone in the police service should respect the uniform and give utmost priority to decency," he said.
Another senior police officer said women police personnel across the country, including Odisha, are also seen colouring their hair in shades such as coffee, chocolate, ash, auburn, caramel and golden.
"One cannot issue an order to keep hair black always. There are people who have natural brown hair. This apart, greying is also a natural phenomenon. What can be done in these cases? Therefore, no order can be issued with regard to hair colour," the officer said, adding that it depends on individual police officers.
A woman police officer in the city, who has coloured her hair ash, said no law or rule prohibits such choices.
"We are in the police and perform our duties responsibly. People should not comment on a person’s hairstyle. We welcome criticism if we commit mistakes, but colouring hair is not a crime," she said.
A retired IPS officer said that while the police manual does not explicitly prescribe hairstyles, personnel are expected to maintain the image of a security force.
"Creating a controversy over a non-issue serves no purpose," another serving officer remarked.
